Wed 6th Feb, 2013

A pastel coloured wedding at Hill Place

Emma and Huw were married in September last year at Hill Place, Swanmore.

They first met while they were at University and were introduced by mutual friends. "We got engaged when we were on holiday in New York, visiting friends. We were strolling through a quiet part of central park when Huw proposed. It took me by complete surprise and was the perfect end to a wonderful trip."

When we started to plan the wedding, we knew that we wanted to create a relaxed and informal day that we could enjoy with our close friends and family.  That was why our wonderful venue, Hill Place, was perfect.  It is a beautiful and elegant building with lots of history and character but also somewhere that you really feel at home.  The owners, Rebecca and Will, were so accommodating and made the whole planning process really stress free.  We were able to hire the house for the whole weekend, meaning that I was able to relax with my family and bridesmaids the night before and at the end of the wedding day, we just had to pop upstairs to curl up in the gorgeous bedrooms."

Huge thanks to Hayley Savage for sending me Emma and Huw's really beautiful wedding, and to Emma and Huw for telling us about their day.

Photography © Hayley Savage Photography

"It took a while and a lot of shopping trips with family and bridesmaids to decide upon my dress, as I am quite an indecisive person generally. I knew that I wanted something quite simple but a little bit different and in the end chose Eve by Mark Lesley.  I loved the beautiful layering of the dress.  The duchess satin material was really luxurious and it felt in keeping with the venue and the theme of our day.  I accessorised my dress with a chapel length one-tier veil."

"I had four bridesmaids who all have very different colouring and so I decided to have one dress in four different colours.  I then used these colours as my colour scheme for the day, reflecting them within our flowers, decorations and wedding cake."

"We really feel that our beautiful photos capture the fun and atmosphere of the day.  We didn’t want a photographer whose photos were too formal or traditional and we loved Hayley’s previous work.  Both at our pre-wedding practice shoot and on the wedding day, Hayley did an amazing job of putting us at ease and creating lasting memories of our day."

"We were so pleased with our beautiful vintage cup cake wedding cake.  It was created and made by our friend who runs The Maran Bakery.  She perfectly matched the colours of my bridesmaids dresses to the vintage roses, each representing a different cup cake flavour and it was a beautiful centre piece to the reception hall.

Our fantastic catering was provided by Vanilla Catering and Events.  We enjoyed a selection of canapés and champagne in the garden, followed by a traditional wedding breakfast of chicken liver parfait, sea bass and a choice of deserts.

Our flowers came from The Flower Shop in Southampton.  They did an amazing job of creating exactly what I had imagined, with a mix of ivory and amnesia roses, flocks, heather and eucalyptus.  We also used simple pots of heather for a laid back, rustic feel."

"Having been very anti arts and crafts, I suddenly became obsessed with my new stamp set and made all of the name tags, menus and signs for the venue myself.  I’m really pleased that I took the time to personalise the day in that way as it was really nice to look around on the wedding day and see everything laid out exactly as we had planned it.  I especially loved putting together the display of old family wedding photos."

"The whole day went so quickly and we loved every minute, except for a few veil and hair accessory malfunctions on my way into the wedding ceremony.  We were very lucky with the weather and it was so nice to relax in the beautiful gardens in the sunshine, sipping champagne with our guests.  One of the best parts of the day were the speeches and we loved the fact that Huw’s sister surprised us with a joint best man’s speech with his brother.  Our band Ear Candy did an amazing job in the evening and our guests were showing off some amazing moves on the dance floor all night."

Wedding suppliers (UK)

Ceremony and reception venues: Hill Place, Swanmore

Dress: Mark Lesley, Eve. Brides of Southampton

Flowers:  The Flower Shop

Photographer: Hayley Savage Photography

Caterers: Vanilla Catering and Events

Bridesmaids dresses: Coast

Groom’s suit: Moss Bros

Cake: The Maran Bakery

Hair: Gemma Sutton

Make-up: Tania Claire

Music: Ear Candy and Julian Ward

Stationery:  Designed by a Graphic Designer friend

Marquee: Medstead Marquees

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Mon 21st Jan, 2013

A Marie Antoinette inspired shoot

It's always really exciting when I get sent a collaborative shoot. A team of great, talented people getting together to create something beautiful to inspire couples planning their wedding.

Having taken part in several of them myself, they're a great way to be able to try something you wouldn't normally get the opportunity to do and to work with people you may have admired from afar.

This shoot, which took place at Surrey wedding venue Fetcham Park, was inspired by Marie Antoinette and was created by the small but perfectly formed team of photographer Eddie Judd, Cakes by Krisanthi, Nicole Lieu and Idyllic Days.

Krishanthi Armitt {Cakes by Krishanthi}

"Nicole and I were quite keen to create something that evoked sheer indulgence and decadence.  Although Marie Antoinette was a controversial figure, she knew how to throw a party in style and this is exactly the style what we wanted to create in the manner of weddings.  We felt that Fetcham Park with its stunning intricate decor, especially the combination of blue and gold colours in the Shell Room would be the ideal venue for such a bourgeoisie inspired shoot.

The beauty and grandeur of such a theme demands for a regal looking cake and hence I created the six tier cake, incorporating elements that Marie Antoinette loved including pearls, frills to intricate gold detailing.

To complement the six tier cake I made a selection of various other smaller cakes, profiteroles, dark chocolate brownies and meringues, I wanted to create the feeling of a sweet feast - guests would be spoilt for choice!"

The cakes and confectionery by Krishanthi of Cakes by Krishanthi reflect those qualities with the delicate swirls, edible pearls and lacey sugar icing. They are definitely a reflection of the venue.

The flowers were arranged to enhance the cakes and so, they concentrated on table arrangements for the cake and sweets table.  The colours used are similar to the cakes and a natural style was chosen based on the flower arrangements executed during Marie’s reign, altogether a relaxed approach as she was not particularly akin to the formal and fussy etiquette of the French Court.

Nicole Lieu {The White Orchid}

"Inspiration comes in many forms at the White Orchid. Colours and textures from a natural landscape, paintings, movies, music and even buildings, the latter being more relevant when focusing on weddings.

Fetcham Park happens to be one of those buildings that conjure up images of a time gone by, and when I first chanced upon it, I thought of the opulent rooms in Versailles, France. The main ballroom is particularly grand with its gold embellishments and carved detailing on the walls, doors and ceilings. It is certainly a venue of note if you are thinking of an impressive wedding breakfast held under the heavily crystalised chandelier that reminded me of the ones used in the movie, Titanic."

Photography © Eddie Judd

Collaborators

Photography - Eddie Judd

Cakes – Cakes by Krishanthi

Flowers – The White Orchid

Venue – Fetcham Park

Details - Idyllic Days

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Mon 14th Jan, 2013

Would you love to run The Ebury Collection?

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading my blog, submitting beautiful weddings and wonderful industry interviews over the last two and a half years, all of which have filled my blog with great photography and inspiration for those who read it. I’ve also had great feedback from brides as well as wedding planners who use our supplier directory in order to help them find their perfect team of wedding professionals.

A business is a bit like having a child: you conceive it and bring it to life, nourish it and watch it grow and then one day you realise that you have to let it take its own course and expand into the world.

I am going to be focusing on some new professional projects as well as focusing on my son, Oliver, and because of this, it is time for me to allow The Ebury Collection to evolve and expand in its own direction. This has not been an easy decision to make as I have spent over two years developing and building the brand, but my heart knows that it is time to let go and allow some new life to be injected into it.

In order to do that, I'm looking for someone to take The Ebury Collection to the next stage - someone who adores weddings and unique creative styling, someone who loves writing and has a passion to develop a brand and make the most of its potential.

This exciting opportunity would involve you taking editorial control of the blog copy, supporting our sponsors, building The Ebury Collection directory of unique wedding suppliers, networking and collaborating with other members of the wedding community, but above all bringing stylish and exquisite finds and inspiration to brides.

It's been a real labour of love for me and a lot of time and effort has been put in to developing the brand and making sure we showcase the best of what the wedding industry has to offer. I'm therefore keen that The Ebury Collection will continue to develop and go from strength to strength.

Styling and planning shoots is what I do, it’s in my blood. I have collaborated with some incredible industry colleagues over the last two years and much of the work that I have art directed and styled has been published in some of the top wedding magazines and wedding blogs. This is something I have nurtured from my time organising fashion shoots for John Lewis in my previous career, working with some of the best fashion photographers from across the world. It is also something I’m incredibly proud of and I consider my future to be in planning and styling shoots for others in the wedding as well as the interiors industries. You can see my other blog, portfolio of styling and details of how I can help you with your shoot by clicking here.

In the meantime, The Ebury Collection will continue to operate as normal; there will be absolutely no changes and our sponsors will be looked after just as well as before. Any updates on the future of The Ebury Collection will be brought to you just as soon as they are confirmed.

If you would like further information, are interested in taking The Ebury Collection onto the next stage or would just like to chat about our evolving future please email me at info@theeburycollection.com

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Mon 7th Jan, 2013

Gillian Million's vintage-inspired headpieces and jewellery

I first discovered Gillian's amazing bridal headpieces and jewellery at the Designer Wedding show at Battersea back in January 2008, whilst looking for something to wear for my own wedding.

I fell in love with her beautiful, hand-made collection of vintage-inspired headpieces, "We recycle antique pearls, vintage jewels and pieces of jewellery bringing something old into something new. We even hide a little blue swarovski crystal into the jewellery to tick the box of 'something blue'! Faux pearls, vintage glass beads and semi precious-stones are intricately wired together, creating the most beautiful and precious designs that somehow feel that you are holding onto a family heirloom, quite magical and completely unique and personal!"

Fashions are of course, forever evolving and Gillian Million's collection moves with the times whilst maintaining an air of inherited beauty. The collection includes exquisite fascinators, chic birdcage veil headdresses, jewelled headbands, replicated 1920's beaded caps, hair pins, cuffs, elegant veils, necklaces both subtle and magnificent, fur stoles, forehead jewellery and back jewellery and all the unimaginable brought to life in her breathtaking shop in Teddington which must be seen to be believed!

Says Gillian... "It is extremely rewarding to create hair accessories that are unique and individual to each bride; we always have such a lovely time together and I am so proud to be involved in such a special part of their wedding planning. I receive the most amazing and delightful comments from each bride; I even receive communication with further orders of jewellery for 1st year wedding anniversary presents, photos of new born babies and updates on house moves and travels abroad! So wonderful and special and that is why I simply can't just sell through retailers - you just have to come and visit me and make the choosing of your accessories a truly memorable and special part of your wedding planning"

All jewellery is created in London, by hand. Gillian has a loyal team of 12 people who have been working with her over the last 12 years. All jewellery is made with passion and excitement and overseen by Gillian personally. Gillian has made all pieces in her shop and creates and designs all the new collections which are forever evolving as each season comes and goes.

To get a better idea of Gillian's creations and the fabulous service she offers, pop over to her website or grab yourself a cuppa and watch this short video...

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Sat 22nd Dec, 2012

Christmas wishes from Ebury

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Mon 3rd Dec, 2012

A morning with Jay Archer Floral Design

I'm absolutely thrilled to share this blog post with you this morning. I'm a big fan of Jay Archer, she's one super talented and... award-winning florist!

I met up with Jay at New Covent Garden Flower Market recently to find out a bit more about the lady behind the flowers. Over to Jay...

"I moved down South from the West Midlands in 2009 and soon met my other half Jamie, aka the Gofer (find him on Twitter @JAFD_Gofer). My business is my passion and has helped me meet lots of new people since moving. I’m loving it down South - the weather is much better and the people are friendlier! I’m a keen gardener, enjoy the outdoors and spending time with my family - I am definitely a home bird! In my spare time I enjoy baking, usually cakes although I am healthy eating at the moment - not the easiest thing in the lead up to Christmas!!

I enjoy the job I do, love meeting people and the process of working with my couples. I take them to the flower market with me to meet their flowers, source props and unique vessels and also help them with other aspects of planning including finding suppliers, and offering advice on how to bring together all elements of the day.

I’m ambitious, passionate and follow the own beat of my drum. I always try to be one step ahead, providing inspiration not copying it. I grow a lot of my own flowers and herbs between my 3 plots and lots of tubs. I also source a lot of flowers from Winchester, Cornwall, the Scilly Isles and the Holland markets. ‘Being green’ isn’t important to everyone but I think if we can source locally, why not? Give the little guy a chance I say!

I’d describe my style as natural and rustic, preferring to leave flowers as close to their natural state as possible - with a bit of gold leaf here and there! I adore wild flowers, seed heads, herbs and unusual foliages although recently have been working on refining my work showing that wild can be up-market and luxurious too. I love all flowers although I’m not a fan of exotics (with the exception of protea) or gerbera. Also, I tend to avoid lots of roses and peonies too as I think they’re often overused, although I do appreciate a good scented garden rose.

I’ve always loved flowers and the natural world thanks to my Grandparents, more my Grandad. I was a bit of a geek at school and remember being part of the school rambling club (yes really!). We also had to do a presentation and stand on our hobbies - I choose natural forms, studying lichen and clouds… as you do when you’re 11!! Pleased to say I won top marks for the best stand though!! Summer holidays were spent with a new pack of pens and paper, sitting in the garden - remember the days we has Summers with Grandma and Grandad and drawing and drinking cherry aid?

Leaving school I did a few random jobs but knew I always wanted to do something creative so when the opportunity came along at the age of 19, I started attending evening classes and building up my portfolio by helping friends at weddings, networking and practicing lots! I didn’t like the way they taught at college, or what they taught, but they helped me the learn the relevant techniques I needed to develop.

My inspirations are my family, my vivid imagination and the world around me. I see inspiration in everything around me, from buildings to the sky to food. I also have lots of art history books and love artists such as Klimt and Mucha- my favourite painting is The Sleeping Gypsy by Henri Rousseau.

My favoutire flowers are Sweet peas without a doubt - they hold sentimental reasons for me. I love scented flowers like muscari and paperwhites but also English country garden fave’s like astilbe.

Finally, I asked Jay if there were any particular arrangements/bouquets that are particular favourites...

"Mmm… there have been lots! I made my Grandma a bouquet for her 80th last year, using flowers my Grandad would have grown in his garden- montbretia, dahlia, garden roses, scabious, gladioli… that was pretty special."

Jay covers the south of England but is happy to travel further afield!

From concept to creation, you will only deal with Jay, "I will personally deliver your bridal party flowers to you on the morning of your wedding. Together my team and I will complete the set-up of your venue décor and arrangements at your ceremony and reception venues. I commit to only one wedding per day so you can rely on perfect execution and attention to detail.

During your journey with me, I will invite you to New Covent Garden flower market to ‘meet’ your flowers and will also create an interactive moodboard along with sketches to help you visualise the end result. I take time to get to know you, the couple, so I can bring personal details into your scheme."

Pop over to Jay's gorgeous website here - www.jayarcherfloraldesign.com email here by clicking here or call on 07519 818223

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Mon 5th Nov, 2012

A retro-styled handmade wedding

Hayley and Dan's beautiful and colourful wedding took place back in May at The Clock Barn, Tufton Warren, Whitchurch.

Full of handmade details including 100m of colourful floral bunting and a gorgeous cake made by the best man's mum, Hayley and Dan's wedding is a fun-filled, stylish affair.

They met in a bar in Southampton back in 2004 and got engaged on New Year's Eve 2010/11 in Brighton one of Hayley's favourite places! "Dan took me for a meal then he proposed in the lanes, after a lot of phone calls to tell everyone the news we then went to meet our friends and drank a lot of champagne!!"

Dan borrowed one of my nan's rings to propose with, which was lovely. We went back to the lanes after we got engaged to choose a ring together - we found a 1950’s diamond and sapphire ring that I fell in love with."

Their good friends Cooper Photography photographed their wedding. "We love Stu and Anna’s work, they’re so talented and their photos are always so beautiful, we also love the fact they shoot film."

Photography © Cooper Photography

"I always knew I wanted a lace fitted dress and I actually found it in the first shop went to. I had a bespoke Tea Rose headpiece made by Rachel Drewer Millinery."

"All my bridesmaids had different styles so I said they could choose their own dresses and shoes."

"We knew we wanted a really relaxed day and the Clock Barn was a perfect venue for that. I love the 40’s and 50’s so that inspired the wedding and the music for the day. We had these amazing singers at our drinks reception called the Memphis Belles."

"The ceremony was definitely my favourite part of the day but it was the part I was most nervous about. Dan said his favourite part was seeing me walk down the aisle and we both loved dancing to the last song of the night by The Beatles, All You Need Is Love

I really enjoyed making the colourful bunting, with the help of friends and family we made 100 meters of it to go from one end of the barn to the other, it took a while to make but it was definitely worth it."

"We were really lucky to have help from everyone. The best man's mum Connie made us a beautiful cake as a gift and she also made some cakes for the cake buffet we had in the evening, my friend Taryn who is an illustrator designed our invites for us, my friend Laura gave me my necklace and bracelet, and Mandy one of my bridesmaids bought me a vintage white clutch bag I used on the day.

The tables were named after 40’s and 50’s songs and we all collected old glass vases and tea cups from vintage fairs and charity shops to fill with flowers, I loved seeing it all set up in the barn on the day it was so pretty."

Supplier info:

Venue: The Clock Barn, Tufton Warren, Whitchurch

Dress: Benjamin Roberts

Headpiece: Rachel Drewer Millinery

Flowers: Tigerlily Florist

Photographer: Cooper Photography

Caterers: Perks Catering

Bridesmaids dresses: Coast & Phase Eight

Grooms Suit and Tie: Hugo Boss

Grooms Shoes: WJ French and Son

Transport: Premier Carriage

Music: Memphis Belles

Stationery: Taryn Murfitt

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Wed 31st Oct, 2012

A handbag-sized wedding planner for brides-to-be

Brought to you by one of London’s most luxurious wedding planners, Quintessentially Weddings, this new, handbag-sized book is filled with inspiring content, wedding planning tricks and a step-by-step guide that demystifies the planning process.

The Secret Quintessentially Weddings Guide blends beautiful coffee-table book visuals with elegant editorial. Peppered throughout are expert tips from the likes of Phillip Treacy on how to wear a hat with panache, Royal Wedding Florist Shane Connolly on choosing timeless flowers, Browns Bride on finding ‘the one’ and The Savoy on hosting a glittering vintage wedding soiree.

Image © The Manor, Somerset

Sophie McCorry Day of Quintessentially Weddings says: “The book gives guidance on everything a couple needs to plan their bespoke big day. We hope the guide will become a bride’s companion through the planning process, not only by giving her the confidence and tools to plan her wedding, but through sharing expert tips from some of the industry’s most exciting and trusted names.”

Launching on the 5th December it brings together expert advice from a handpicked selection of the best of the wedding industry including Vera Wang, Matthew Williamson, DeBeers, Jenny Packham, Vivienne Westwood, Bruce Oldfield, Absolute Flowers, Little Venice Cake Company, Valentino, Smythson, Blakes Hotel, Cutture, Paul Antonio, Philippa Lepley, Aneta Mak, The Dorchester, notonthehighstreet.com, Charlotte Olympia and many, many more.

Image © Vera Wang

Featuring a who’s who of wedding royalty, from wedding dress designers to calligraphers, venues and settings to cake designers, the book divulges real insider secrets and hidden gems. Designed with the bride and groom in mind, the guide is tipped to be an indispensable portable wedding planning aide.

Image © Quintessentially Weddings

Sophie adds: “The guide encapsulates Quintessentially Weddings’ stylish and personalised approach to weddings and includes a portfolio of nuptials organised by the team to inspire couples. It combines practical and easy-to-follow advice with some coveted behind-the-scenes tips from some of the industry’s biggest suppliers, as well as some real rising stars prised from our little white address books.”

Available for brides-to-be to pre-order now for £24.99 by clicking on the image below, this guide is an essential planning aid as well as a beautiful keepsake item.

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Wed 24th Oct, 2012

A vintage gown from Jane Bourvis and floral headbands for the flower girls

Childhood sweethearts, Selina and Richard, celebrated their wedding at Botleys Mansion in July.

"I guess you could say we were childhood sweethearts. Richard and I met at a house party as teenagers. We had been together for almost 10 years when he proposed on a romantic weekend away in Bath. I was still in total shock and had no idea it was on the agenda yet!

Some how Richard and I ended up having two wedding events- a hindu ceremony in May and a civil ceremony in July, both with big parties attached, so it has been quite a spectacular summer of celebration! It has also involved a epic amount of preparation. Luckily we are both blessed with lovely families who helped us with the planning and admin – mums and an aunt formed a wedmin A-team.

One day I asked Richard what he thought the theme and mood of the wedding should be – he said he would like the theme to be ‘weddingy’ and the mood to be ‘happy’ – it was clear that I would need to look elsewhere for in-depth discussions of the creative vision! Luckily one of my gorgeous bridesmaids used to work in a wedding venue, so had seen it all."

Thank you to Selina and Richard for sharing your breathtaking wedding, and to Nick Tucker for just jaw-droppingly amazing photography!

Photography © Nick Tucker

 

"I tried on lots of dresses. I was surprised to find that many of them were not my idea of style at all, also that prices could escalate wildly. But inspiration struck when a work colleague mentioned Jane Bourvis. Her shop is a treasure trove, like going back stage at the ballet. She came up with a marvellous confection made of vintage lace and beading, all rare and unique pieces. It was really fun to be involved in a creative process with such a dab hand as Jane. It was also great value by comparison to the usual bridal brands, I feel I paid equivalent value to get something that was totally unique."

"I wanted the ceremony to be the highlights and to drink in and remember every detail. It really was. The room was heaving with flowers, our chosen song was playing (the low anthem, love and altar), the readings were touching and hilarious in equal measure and my lovely sister sand a song and played her guitar in tribute to us. It was incredible and unforgettable."

"My mother booked Bella Sopranos – opera singers in disguise – who created a spellbinding and brilliantly comic after dinner surprise that really lifted the atmosphere of the party. It was such a brilliant ice-breaker."

"As well as speeches from bestmen, father of bride, and groom – which were all fantastic and truly entertaining and touching, I asked my bridesmaid to make a speech. She was a really great speaker."

Supplier info:

Dress: Jane Bourvis for day, Glory Days Vintage for evening, shoes Emmy

Flowers: Tiger Rose Floral Design

Photographer: Nick Tucker

Bridesmaids dresses: Courtesan Boutique

Cake: Eric Lanyard

Hair and Make-up: Nikki Moores (hair), Blush (makeup)

Music: Bella Sopranos, White Keys/Soul education

Stationery: Susie Hogarth

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Mon 15th Oct, 2012

Sassi Holford unveils her 2013 collection

Wedding dress designer Sassi Holford recently unveiled her 2013 couture collection at Haberdashers’ Hall as part of It's The Agency's wedding event

Sassi Holford is a self-taught and self-made bridal designer from Taunton, and has been creating beautiful wedding dresses for 30 years. She shot to fame when she created the dress for the royal marriage of Autumn Kelly to Peter Phillips, son of the Princess Royal.

The event was supported by:

Purple Tiger Floral Design who dressed large Oriental water jars with twisted branches hung with iridescent, waxy blooms and glass droplets to complement Sassi’s stunning Collection. In addition they filled neo-classical urns with flowers that matched the priceless paintings in Haberdashers' Hall.

Hall of Cakes exhibited a beautiful eight tier classic vintage wedding cake to showcase their design skills, sugar craft artistry and attention to detail. To taste there was chocolate cake with cocoa buttercream, lemon sponge with a lemon zest cream filling and carrot cake layered with a tangy orange buttercream.

A tasting menu from the Haberdashers’ Hall culinary team led by Head Chef Pawel Dolzonek confirmed Chester Boyd’s status as preeminent wedding caterers. They wowed guests with innovations such as lobster hotdogs, tempura courgette flowers, and hibiscus flower cocktails.

Music came from Niche - The London String Quartet playing a selection of their highly varied repertoire including wedding favourites, classical music and chart hits.

Images © Sassi Holford

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